Page 114 of Music City Diaries

“Actually, I found out what’s wrong. Looks like I ran over some metal or something. Shit.”

“I’m on my way. Wait in the truck.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I mean it, Darcie.” His voice was serious, making me instantly go on alert.

“Okay, I’m heading there now.” I turned, freezing in my tracks. I sucked in a breath as I met the eyes of the man from the pawnshop.

“Give me that,” he ordered, taking my phone and crushing it beneath his foot. I’d heard Bubba shouting my name, so I prayed he heard the man as well.

My body shook as fear threatened to take over. The man from the pawnshop sneered, licking his lips.

“I knew you were trash when you walked into my store. I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to show you what happens to sluts like you.” He grabbed me and pulled me under his arm. He bent down to sniff my neck. “When I saw the bounty on your head, I knew it was fate. I’ve been trying to find ways to grab you, but you’re always with those men, whoring yourself.”

“You were at the bar. Weren’t you? You’ve been following me,” I said, the sound weak even to my own ears.

“Do you really think I couldn’t track you through a device I sold you?”

It explained the weird sensation I had a few times when I’d been out with the guys. But until today, I hadn’t been alone.

“Finally, I got you alone and knew I had to act fast. Damaging your tire was easy, but hiding in the back was my favorite. You never knew I was there.” He laughed, the sound sending shivers through me. I did not want to be his captive. “You’re worth a lot of money, slut. Thankfully, it doesn’t say what condition you have to be in. Just alive. So, I’m going to have some fun with you first, then I’ll hand you over for my reward.”

The man groped my breast, squeezing it hard as he licked my neck. The fear fell away at his words, and my anger emerged. Blind rage filled my mind. I refused to let another man decide my fate. Nor would he take anything from me I wasn’t freely giving.

“Not today, asshole,” I screamed, rearing my head back at the same time I shoved my elbow into his gut. He bent over, dropping his hold on me. I didn’t hesitate as I took off running toward the cornfield. Bubba was on his way. I knew it. I just needed to hide long enough for him to arrive.

The cornstalks slapped my face as I ran, blinding me. My mind raced as I tried to pinpoint which direction the shop was in. If I had to, I’d run there and let Bubba deal with that piece of shit.

The engine of a bike roared close, and I stopped, bending at the waist as I caught my breath. A body tackled me, my face smacking into the dirt. Their weight pressed down on me, and I struggled to breathe. Whimpering, I hated how weak I sounded. This wasn’t who I was anymore.

The warrior I’d been groomed to be my whole life rose up in me, giving me the strength to keep fighting.

“I saidno. Learn about consent, douchebag.”

“I’m going to teach you to shut up first,” he sneered, pressing his knees into my back. He pulled at my hair, yanking my head up. Spitting out dirt and blood, my body tingled from the hit, but I wouldn’t let it stop me.

Wetness hit me right before the weight was lifted. I coughed, rolling over to see what had happened. The creepy asshole held his neck where he was bleeding from a wound. He looked shocked, surprised to see his own blood.

Glancing past him, I expected to see Bubba, a smile already spreading across my face. Instead, a face I never expected to see again stared at me with wide eyes.

“Damon?” I asked, despite knowing it was him. My head hurt, and I wondered if I’d hit it hard enough to get a concussion.

His hands shook, a knife covered in blood in one of his palms. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean to,” he stuttered.

Pulling myself off the ground, I stood, my body aching. “It’s okay, Damon. You saved me.”

His eyes met mine, and he looked me over as he repeated what I said. “I saved you. Yes, you’re right. I didn’t have a choice. You needed me.”

I disagreed with him, but I nodded, wanting to get out of this cornfield.

“Not that I’m not thankful, Damon, but what are you doing here?”

His eyes met mine, something shifting as he stared. “I came to get you. You need my help, Darcie.”

I stepped back, not liking what he was saying. “Damon, I’m fine. While I appreciate you stepping in, I’m okay now.”

“No, you’re not.” His voice was hard now.

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